SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is racing against time to restore its guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra, which was severely damaged in a fire and subsequent capsizing at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard on July 21, 2024. Senior naval officials, speaking on Saturday, May 24, 2025, provided the first major update on the warship’s recovery, projecting that it could be seaworthy by the end of 2025 or early 2026, with full combat readiness expected by mid-2026. The announcement offers hope for the 3,850-tonne vessel, which many feared might never sail again due to the extensive damage it sustained.
The INS Brahmaputra, a locally produced frigate built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and commissioned in 2000, suffered a catastrophic accident last year. A fire broke out on board during repairs, leading to the ship tipping over after firefighting units pumped large volumes of water to extinguish the blaze. Tragically, the incident claimed the life of Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh, who drowned while most of the crew either evacuated via the gangway or swam to safety. Singh was among the personnel involved in the ongoing maintenance work at the time.
“Repairs are in full swing at the Naval Dockyard,” said a senior official, speaking anonymously. “The activities leading to the restoration of ‘float and move’ capabilities are expected to be completed by the year-end or early 2026. The ‘fight’ component is likely to be reactivated by June-July 2026. Getting the warship back in action is a priority.” In naval terminology, “float, move, and fight” refer to a warship’s structural integrity, propulsion systems, and combat capabilities (weaponry and sensors), respectively.
The warship was righted and moved to dry dock in November 2024, following a detailed assessment of the damage. A second official, also requesting anonymity, explained that repairs are being conducted in phases, starting with the hull, propulsion, and power generation systems to restore the “float and move” functions. “Equipment and systems requiring repair or replacement are being removed and taken to the shop floors of the Naval Dockyard for necessary action,” he added.
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